Sticky buttons in the Sekonic 758DR

I find the rubber buttons in my Sekonic 758DR kinda sticky. Most of the time they are stuck in a lower position due to the rubber button catching on to the plastic housing. Functionally not a problem, but I was wondering whether I got a lemon or is this normal?

mrmarks wrote in post #10400481
I find the rubber buttons in my Sekonic 758DR kinda sticky. Most of the time they are stuck in a lower position due to the rubber button catching on to the plastic housing. Functionally not a problem, but I was wondering whether I got a lemon or is this normal?

You plucked a 'bad-apple' (or at least a dodgy light meter)

Hmmm, doesn't sound too good

mrmarks wrote in post #10400555
Hmmm, doesn't sound too good

Don't despair (I should have Posted previously - sorry) it may sound silly, but do try and vacuum around the rubber buttons - sometimes grit/dirt can jam the buttons. If you have one of those mini-types that are used for keyboards
and electronic devises then all the better. Conversely, you can try the compressed-air cans or even a lens blower like the Giotto rocket-thingy.

*** USE FROM A SAFE DISTANCE OF SAY 18" ***


Give that a go.... I am sure that others will contribute further assistance imminently....

As a rule, I have never heard of Sekonic light meter buttons playing-up!

mrmarks wrote in post #10400481
I find the rubber buttons in my Sekonic 758DR kinda sticky. Most of the time they are stuck in a lower position due to the rubber button catching on to the plastic housing. Functionally not a problem, but I was wondering whether I got a lemon or is this normal?

No problem with mine. I've had it for several years, but only have been using heavily lately.

Sorry I was not clear. I was referring to the Power, AVE/EV, Mid tone, M.Clear, and Mode buttons. They tend not to spring back fully after pressing them and it take a little jiggling before they pop back up.
Here are some photos to better describe the button problem. I would like to check with some other users if this is normal for the 758DR.

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More photos....

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Hi Mike,

Not sure if you got my PM yesterday but anything other than a smooth unobstructed feel is a problem.

I don't know the age of the meter of whether you bought it new or not but what you're experiencing is not normal and absolutely should not be the case.

I would contact Sekonic or the retailer and have it serviced or replaced. I would not settle or try to justify the defect.

Fix or replace it!

Just call them directly, I have always had great customer service from them. I had a screen get cracked and they replaced the entire meter. The reason for the crack was unknown, but they are a great company and if you call them I am sure they will help ASAP.

http://sekonic.com/pag​es/contact.asp

It's brand new with a datecode of 2010 May. Just surprised that this was not taken care of by their QC!

mrmarks wrote in post #10412631
It's brand new with a datecode of 2010 May. Just surprised that this was not taken care of by their QC!

Considering that this is the first time I've ever heard of this I would say that it just slipped through the cracks but I believe that QC at Sekonic is outstanding. You just happened to get the one with a slightly different tolerance and that could have happened anywhere in production.

LBaldwin wrote in post #10412601
Just call them directly, I have always had great customer service from them. I had a screen get cracked and they replaced the entire meter. The reason for the crack was unknown, but they are a great company and if you call them I am sure they will help ASAP.

http://sekonic.com/pag​es/contact.asp

What were the conditions surrounding your cracked screen and the reason why they replaced the meter?

I know for a fact that if the screen is scratched or broken and has to be replaced that it's a bit of a pain because it is weather sealed and the meter must be calibrated again. I was told that the cost to replace the screen is about $60 and never got the impression that they would opt to replace the meter over just replacing the screen.

SO how'd you pull that off?

Yes, it looks like a mechanical tolerance issue.

Hmmmm it could be a tolerence prob.

That has happened to mine a couple of times,
but I can understand why as as my hands start getting sticky-sweaty.
Human sweat & shed skin cells can make a surprising powerful glue once it dries out.
A quick little wipe or 2 with a cloth or this little brush I have and it's back to normal for my meter.

I notice the buttons are tilted in the same direction-from using your thumb to operate it.
The only thing I can say there is try pushing down more squarely, or rock the button back as you press it.

MyLookingGlassEye wrote in post #10412793
Hmmmm it could be a tolerence prob.

That has happened to mine a couple of times,
but I can understand why as as my hands start getting sticky-sweaty.
Human sweat & shed skin cells can make a surprising powerful glue once it dries out.
A quick little wipe or 2 with a cloth or this little brush I have and it's back to normal for my meter.

I notice the buttons are tilted in the same direction-from using your thumb to operate it.
The only thing I can say there is try pushing down more squarely, or rock the button back as you press it.

Well, as much as I know that dirt, dust, sweat, and all the goop in the environment can affect mechanical parts and fittings, I literally abuse the heck out of my meter and it goes with me everywhere. I sweat all over it, it gets tossed about and is not always kept in it's case to shield it from the elements, and after about 3 years (could be more) I haven't had one problem or change in the way the buttons work or feel. I'm sure it happens but I think that's been taken into account in the design and I really think that Mike just has one that perhaps should not have passed inspection or passed with flying colors but the tolerance is just enough that a change in temperature or humidity reveals that tolerance.